Description of the experience:
Wilderness India is an organization that conducts camps that bring people close to nature. I was a part of the Monsoon Escape camp where we trekked to Bhigu Waterfall and then visited the Maya Devi Temple. I have been on a few treks before which were easy and in my comfort zone whereas this trek was pretty difficult and required fast decision-making skills. The unique part of the trek was that we collect waste on our way up as a lot of tourists littered over there. On the trek, we also focused on the importance of personal growth which also helped me develop confidence in myself. I also cleaned the beach several times in a few weeks in my own local areas to promote awareness for the same.
Learning outcome 2:
Demonstrate that challenges have been undertaken, developing new skills in the process
I have minimal prior experience with trekking but this time it was way different as I was exposed to an environment filled with different species and tough routes. The path to Bhigu Waterfall was extremely tricky as the placement of rocks was in a way where if one step is taken wrong, I could have injured myself. It was challenging as I was required to be vigilant throughout the journey. Due to rain, the road was slippery making it extra challenging. My body is not flexible so while climbing it was difficult for me to cope with everyone’s pace and it took time for me to get used to the capabilities of my body. I have been a part of a few treks but they wereńt as rigorous as this one way. I have an average fitness level as I play different sports so that helped me when it came to using my strength. About picking up trash, yes I have done such services before also at a local level and also did it this time again by cleaning the beach. I was careful and watched where I put my body weight and followed the instructions given by the experts when I was stuck in difficult situations. I feel capable of other activities related to camping as I have learned a lot from this journey. This experience not only gave me the chance to be a part of the journey but to also serve the community by picking up the trash and contributing to a clean environment. It is important for me to undertake new challenges as that will encourage me to get out of my comfort zone and explore new situations. I never knew that decision-making skills would be required in this situation. Every step that I took, I had to be observant of the path ahead and move accordingly. As it was rainy the rocks were slippery hence quick conclusions were to be made.
Learning outcome 5:
Demonstrate the skills and recognize the benefits of working collaboratively
Working with others is easy for me as I tend to understand others and their opinion. Communicating with others was easy for me during the trek as we were put into groups and had to support each other to complete the trek. We also worked together while picking up the trash and assigned different locations to everyone. We were our own leaders and worked as a team. This was essential as we worked collaboratively which helped us to complete our task better and also enjoy it side by side. When it comes to beach cleaning, I collaborated with few of my peers so deciding the venue and time was essential. We also divided tasks like what resources will each one of us bring.
Learning outcome 6:
Demonstrate engagement with issues of global significance
As the location was a tourist place, there was a lot of waste present which was non-biodegradable. Since the waste is not disposed of properly it usually leads to soil erosion and other environmental hazards, hence picking up the waste and dumping it properly is essential. During beach cleaning also the issue of toxic waste dump issue is not just limited to one or two areas but is a worldwide issue that is impacting nature at a global level. In middle years we had a specific unit regarding these issues which increased the depth and awareness of this knowledge. Knowing about global issues increases my knowledge and improves my critical thinking skills as I believe that I can significantly contribute.
Learning outcome 7:
Recognize and consider the ethics of choices and actions
It is ethically and morally incorrect to litter wherever one feels. Bhigu Waterfall is a tourist place making it more prone to scrap accumulation. Seeing this was disheartening as it made me realize that every individual’s effort will be needed to make our Earth a better place. If we don’t start now we won’t be leading anywhere. Through this trek and beach cleaning I understood the importance of saving our environment, it is never too late to start a good deed.
Final Take Away:
Through this activity and service, I have been able to improve and implement my decision-making skills. By this, I have also been able to play a role in making the environment clean. The SDGs that I am focusing on are Good Health and Well-being, and Climate Action.
Evidence:
